Description

William Woodruff Declaration of Independence Broadside. One
printed page, 22" x 30 ", New York, [circa 1841], published
by Phelps & Ensign. The text of the Declaration appears inside
an ornate, circular frame containing the state seals of the
original thirteen states (the names of which are indicated outside
the frame near the lower margin) and topped with portraits of
George Washington in military uniform, Thomas Jefferson, and John
Adams. The signatures of the Declaration signers appear below the
text. A printed dedication from engraver William Woodruff appears
near the bottom reading, "To the People of the United States
this Engraving of the Declaration of Independence is most
respectfully inscribed by their fellow citizen Wm. Woodruff."
Lightly age toned with some foxing and light soiling. A 3" tear
exists along the top edge. Chipping and light wrinkling appear
around some of the edges. Some small holes exist, mostly near the
top.

When Woodruff released this broadside, he was instantly accused of
stealing the design of fellow engraver, John Binns. Woodruff
focused less on the quality of the engraving (which is evident in a
side by side comparison of the two) and was able to release his
copy quicker. Binns filed a lawsuit stating that Woodruff had
stolen his design while serving as a journeyman for one of Binn's
employees, a man named George Murray. The lawsuit was unsuccessful,
but the public feud between the two men increased interest in the
broadsides.

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